Brenda Ashford is the quintessential British nanny. Prim and
proper, gentle and kind, she seems to have stepped straight out of Mary Poppins. For more than six decades Nanny Brenda swaddled,
diapered, dressed, played with, sang to, cooked for, and looked after more than
one hundred children. From the pampered sons and daughters of lords ensconced
in their grand estates to the children of tough war evacuees in London’s East
End, Brenda has taught countless little ones to be happy, healthy, and
thoroughly well bred. In this delightful memoir, Brenda shares her endearing,
amusing, and sometimes downright bizarre experiences turning generations of
children into successful adults.

From the moment Brenda first held her
baby brother David she was hooked. She became a second mother to him, changing
his nappies, reading him stories, and giving him all the love her warm heart
contained. Knowing a career caring for children was her calling in life, Brenda
attended London’s prestigious Norland College, famous for producing top-notch
nannies. It was a sign of privilege and good taste for the children of the
well-to-do to be seen being pushed in their Silver Cross prams by Norland nannies,
who were recognizable by their crisp, starched black uniforms with white bib
collars, and their flowing black capes lined with red silk. And what skills
were these trainees tested on daily? Lullaby singing, storytelling, pram
shining, bed making, all forms of sewing, cooking simple meals, and dispensing
first aid—including knowing the best way to help the medicine go down.

In A Spoonful of Sugar, Brenda recalls her years at Norland and her
experiences during the war (after all, even if bombs are dropping, there’s no
reason to let standards slip), and recounts in lovely detail a life devoted to
the care of other people’s children.

Sprinkled throughout with pearls of
wisdom (you can never give children too much love, and you should learn how to
sew a button, for goodness’ sake), this memoir from Britain’s oldest
living nanny is practically perfect in every way.

Download and start listening now!

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Quotes & Awards

Reflecting on her 62 years as a nanny, Ashford presents a delightful compilation of memories, child care tips and insights from a radically different time and place...Ashford recounts a life filled with love, devotion and hard work - a snapping good story by a true British treasure.Kirkus Reviews

For anglophiles and Downton Abbey fans, a memoir of 62 years of nannying.The New York Times

About the Author

BRENDA ASHFORD is a graduate of Norland College, a world-famous institute for British nannies. For sixty-two years, she cared for more than one hundred children, making her Britain’s longest-serving nanny. She lives outside London.

About the Narrator

Jil
Gilpin is a British actress who has starred in numerous BBC
television shows, including The Dutchess
of Malfi and Dad’s Army, among
others. She also spent a year with the Royal Shakespeare Company and three
years with the Glasgow Citizens’ Theatre. She currently lives in Los Angeles.

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